The 'Coiled and Wound-Up' Spring
Imagine waking up every morning feeling like a tight, wound-up spring. Every little thing, from the traffic to a missed notification, sent you spiralling into a whirlwind of anxiety. This was my reality for what felt like forever. Stress and anxiety was my constant companion, an uninvited guest who overstayed their welcome.
I tried everything to quiet the storm raging within me. Meditation apps promised serenity, but my mind raced faster than the guided voice. Yoga classes were supposed to ground me, but I found myself more focused on not falling over than finding inner peace. Pills offered a temporary escape, but the side effects and the feeling of dependence weren’t worth it.
It was a cold, rainy day when I decided enough was enough. I couldn't let stress dictate my life anymore. I started small, with baby steps that felt almost insignificant. The first step was acknowledging my feelings through counselling and therapy. Instead of pushing them down, I worked with Fiyaz and with his therapeutic support, I started to label them. None of this was easy since I had suppressed my feelings for most of my life - I found my feelings too much to handle, too painful and so I subconsciously buried them in a place which I left locked.
Naming my emotions made things easier and gave me the chance to go on a journey to explore and work with my feelings.
"I'm feeling anxious," I'd say to myself. This simple act gave my emotions a name, making them feel a little less overwhelming.
Breathing - Simple and Effective in Reducing Anxiety
Next came the power of deep breathing and how this can relax my nervous system. It sounded ridiculous, but it worked. I started with five minutes a day, focusing on inhaling slowly and deeply, then exhaling completely - making sure that I breathe out longer than I breath in. It was like giving my body a mini-vacation. Over time, I increased the duration, and the calming effect grew stronger. I later realised that this activates a part of my nervous system which helps to regulate levels of stress and fear.
I also discovered the joy of mindfulness. The word seems so detached, somewhat so simple and without the power to affect change. Yet, what I came to realise through my work in therapy was how powerful this process was in detaching me from what caused my stress and anxiety and exploring what my body and I needed and what 'was us', instead of the stresses of the world.
Also, it wasn't about emptying my mind, but about observing my thoughts without judgment. I started paying attention to the sensations in my body, the sounds around me, and the taste of the food I was eating. It was like waking up from a daze and truly experiencing the world. I became aware of what was truly 'me' and what were 'my anxious thoughts' .
Movement, Diet & Boundaries
Physical activity became my secret weapon. I didn't join a gym or start running marathons. I began with short walks in nature, feeling the sun on my face and the earth beneath my feet. It was amazing how a simple walk could clear my head and lift my mood.
Diet and sleep played a bigger role than I realized. Cutting back on caffeine and sugar helped stabilize my mood. Ensuring I got enough sleep was like recharging my batteries. I felt more alert and capable during the day.
One of the most surprising discoveries was the importance of setting boundaries. I learned to say no to commitments that overwhelmed me and to prioritize self-care. It felt selfish at first, but it was essential for my well-being.
It wasn't a quick fix. There were setbacks, days when anxiety crept back in. But with each small victory, my confidence grew. The once-tight spring within me started to unwind. I began to enjoy life again, to feel present and connected.
Today, I'm not completely free from stress or anxiety. Life is full of ups and downs. But I have the tools to manage them. I know that calm is a choice, not a destination. It's a journey, and I'm grateful for every step I've taken.
Remember, you don't have to tackle everything at once. Start small. Be patient with yourself. And most importantly, be kind to yourself. You deserve to feel calm and centered.
